Check out the following article about solar projects

http://www.miller-mccune.com/environment/are-new-solar-power-projects-anti-environmental-29888/

Check out the following article about solar projects

Check out the following article about solar projects

http://www.miller-mccune.com/environment/are-new-solar-power-projects-anti-environmental-29888/

Open Letter to Tree Warden and Planning Board

December 28, 2011

Mr. Jack Donovan

Planning Board, Chair

703 Washington Street

Holliston, MA 01746

Mr. Mark Ahronian

Tree Warden

703 Washington Street

Holliston, MA 01746

Re: Removal of Trees on Bullard Street

Dear Mr. Donovan and Mr. Ahronian,

I am a long-time resident of Holliston, and I am writing to express my concern and objection in regard to the pending decision to remove seven (7) trees tagged on Bullard Street.  I understand that the decision is being considered to enable an industrial solar facility and I respect the need for alternative energy.  However, I do not believe that the benefits of destroying these trees for the solar facility compare favorably to the benefits of keeping these historic trees, their beautiful canopy and the scenic nature of Bullard Street.

Section 9.3 of Holliston’s Scenic Road Regulations grants the Planning Board regulatory authority to preserve all of these trees, several well over 100 years old. These trees are irreplaceable and any decision that allows these trees to be removed and replaced by smaller trees irreparably harms the historical importance and scenic value of Bullard Street.

Further, I object to the removal of more than 35 trees on the eastern side of the stone wall along Bullard Street, not specifically in the public way.  As specified in Article IX (Scenic Road Regulations), Section 9.3, the Planning Board “…regulates work performed on all trees and stone walls on the right-of-way, as well as others that contribute significantly to the scenic qualities of the road.”  These, although not currently tagged most certainly contribute to the scenic qualities of the road and should also be preserved. 

Lastly, this objection is submitted in accordance with MGL Chapter 87, Section 4 which states,

Tree wardens shall not cut down or remove or grant a permit for the cutting down or removal of a public shade tree if, at or before a public hearing as provided in the preceding section, objection in writing is made by one or more persons, unless such cutting or removal or permit to cut or remove is approved by the selectmen or by the mayor.

There are more than 35 trees on the eastern side of the stone wall along Bullard Street that should be considered public shade trees.  These trees should be protected as their canopy is within the public way and they contribute significantly to the scenic qualities of the road.    

I ask the Tree Warden and the Planning Board to deny Syncarpha Solar, LLC and Renewable Energy Massachusetts, LLC’s application to remove these trees, and enforce further restrictions on the public shade trees currently not tagged.

Respectfully,

If you'd like your name here, let me know!

Planning Board Meeting Jan 5th 7pm Town Hall

HOLLISTON PLANNING BOARD
MEETING AGENDA
7:00P.M.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Selectmen’s Meeting Room (Room 105), Town Hall

General Business
1. Approval of Minutes – December 15, 2011
2. Approval Not Required Subdivision(s)
3. Work Program – Articles for Annual Town Meeting
4. Administrative Site Plan Review – Solar Energy Facility, Bullard Memorial Farm

7:10 PM Continued Rules and Regulation Amendments Public Hearing
7:15 PM Continued Common Driveway Special Permit Public Hearing 2016 Washington St.
7:45 PM Scenic Road and Shade Tree Act Public Hearing Bullard Memorial Farm, Bullard Street

More info on who we are...

We are pro-solar, we would like to decrease dependency on fossil fuels. However, a 2mega watt industrial size, utility scale project does not belong in a residential neighborhood. Generating 2 million watts of energy - even green energy - should be relegated to industrial areas. In addition, this particular parcel is some of the most pristine agricultural land in all of New England. It has not been touched by modern agricultural chemicals, or modern farming. It is surrounded by wetlands. It is on a scenic road. It is bordered by dozens of beautiful hundred plus year old trees (that are slated for destruction), and a historic stone wall. It is also in an area where Native American remains have been found and could be a site for future archaeological discovery.

Planning Board Meeting January 5th!

There will be a public hearing about the 2mega watt power plant on Bullard Street on January 5th. 

The meeting will discuss the removal of 7 large historic trees on the site, as well as the general site plan review.